Via Francigena

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The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025

The project “The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025” has been launched, made possible by the contribution of the Lombardy Region and supported by the Province of Pavia, the Province of Lodi, and the Municipality of Orio Litta. The aim is to enhance the Lombard section of the Via Francigena. This cultural route, which crosses Europe from Canterbury to Rome and continues to the ports of Puglia, spans the Lombardy region between the provinces of Pavia and Lodi, covering about 150 km divided into five stages. After crossing alpine and hilly landscapes, the Lombard Francigena offers flat landscapes among rice fields, rivers, and countryside, with routes suitable for everyone, both walkers and cyclists.

The collaboration stems from the common desire to meet the needs of pilgrims who will walk the ancient route to Rome in 2025 for the Jubilee. Among the planned initiatives is the improvement of signage in the Province of Lodi, in compliance with the Signage Handbook approved by EAVF and the regions crossed by the Francigena. This project adds to the Pavia section already completed in 2022 in collaboration with the Province of Pavia. Training sessions are also planned for public and private entities in the involved provinces, aimed at promoting the route, improving hospitality, enhancing services, and valuing the cultural heritage along the way.

Informational materials will be created for pilgrims, who will be able to consult maps and brochures containing technical details of the stages and points of historical interest. The partnership also includes the creation of a “Guide to Accessibility on the Via Francigena,” developed with experts and associations dealing with disability along the routes, with the aim of making the path increasingly inclusive. Additionally, the Via Francigena magazine plans a special feature dedicated to the Lombardy Region, to be presented in December 2024. “EAVF strengthens its collaboration with the Lombardy Region, which I remind you was the first European region to join the association twenty years ago,” comments AEVF President Francesco Ferrari. “This contribution represents an important institutional attention that emphasizes the Francigena route in the provinces of Pavia and Lodi, with particular focus on signage, training, and accessibility. I thank the Lombardy Region for its ongoing commitment to the development of the Via Francigena and for its trust in EAVF, a network that now involves 244 local authorities and regions at the European level.”

The project activities, in the year of the 30th anniversary of the Via Francigena’s certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe (1994-2024), aim to further structure the route and provide useful tools in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025. The project also fits into the context of the UNESCO candidacy of the Via Francigena and involves all the municipalities crossed by the route in Lombardy.

“We are proud to support the project ‘The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025’, which offers an important opportunity to enhance the cultural heritage of our territory,” comments Lombardy Region Councillor Francesca Caruso. “This historic route not only represents a link between tradition and spirituality but also promotes local economic development. We are committed to making the route accessible to everyone, improving signage, and offering adequate informational tools. Thanks to the collaboration between the involved entities, we are confident we can best welcome pilgrims in 2025, offering an inclusive and meaningful experience for all.”

“As one of the founding members of the Association, the Province of Lodi has been supporting and collaborating in all initiatives that enhance the Via Francigena route in its territory for over twenty years, and in this project, it has also decided to play an active role in involving public and private entities, both through a new mapping of signage on the historic route and through training and updating courses to be held next autumn”, says the President of the Province of Lodi Fabrizio Santantonio.

“I am proud to be able to continue supporting this project, started some time ago by my predecessor,” comments the Mayor of Orio Litta Alessandro Ciusani. “For me, it’s like boarding a moving train, but I am happy to see that it is a locomotive heading at full speed towards the goal. With the Jubilee approaching, it is more important than ever to help today’s travelers walk the path, and this also brings opportunities for economic and cultural development for the territory: for this reason, it is essential to network administrations and private entities as the project strives to do.”

“I extend my congratulations to the European Association of the Via Francigena ways for funding the project ‘The Via Francigena in Lombardy towards the Jubilee 2025’, which includes a substantial program of training, information, dissemination, and assistance to pilgrims, with particular attention to accessibility for people with disabilities,” adds the President of the Province of Pavia Giovanni Palli. “The Province of Pavia is actively involved in the process of developing and utilizing the Via Francigena in its territory, involving new entities that can contribute to spreading knowledge and increasing local hospitality, and therefore will participate with conviction, contributing to data collection and information and facilitating the meeting of the target groups of the project activities.”

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Hikes from Bari to Brindisi with project HIKE in Puglia

DISCOVER THE FREE “HIKE” PROGRAMME IN APULIA REGION, ITALY!

In the framework of the European project HIKE, the EAVF engages to promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles. 

Together with the international partners of the European project HIKE, the EAVF commits to promote healthier lifestyles via hiking. That is why we prepared two weekends full of free events open to everyone, including walks  led by experienced guides, sports and cultural activities, meetings, and workshops. Here are the dates to mark on your calendar:

  • September 12-15, 2024: between Bari and Monopoli
  • September 27-29, 2024: between Torre Canne (Fasano) and Brindisi

Check out the full program here and sign up for one or more events by filling out this form.

All scheduled events have been designed and organized by the European Association of the Via Francigena, in collaboration with the official project partners: Regione Puglia, Università di Bari, CAI Viterbo; the municipalities of Bari, Mola di Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni, Carovigno, and Brindisi, and the Association Brindisi and the Ancient Roads.

The first HIKE weekend will begin on Thursday, September 12, at the University of Bari with a workshop on physical preparation, led by experts in hiking, training, and nutrition. On Friday, September 13, the hike from Bari to Mola di Bari (10 km) will start, covering one of the most spectacular stretches of the Southern Via Francigena. Upon arrival, participants can choose between a yoga session next to the Angioino Castle or a guided tour of the castle. On Saturday, September 14, the route will continue from Mola di Bari to Polignano a Mare (16 km), including a cultural visit to the Museum and the Pino Pascali Foundation. The first HIKE weekend will conclude on Sunday, September 15, with the stage from Polignano a Mare to Monopoli (12 km), featuring beautiful sea views, a stop at Torre Incina for a swim, and a demonstration of sport fishing in Monopoli.

The second HIKE weekend in Puglia will start on Friday, September 27, with an 18 km e-bike route from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Ostuni, including a cultural visit to the archaeological park of Santa Maria di Agnano. On Saturday, September 28, we will meet at Torre Santa Sabina to walk to Torre Guaceto, with a stop at the Marine Turtle Recovery Center. Upon arrival, we will explore the area of the nature reserve, take a refreshing swim in the sea, and try snorkeling (a paid activity). The weekend will conclude on Sunday, September 29, with the stage from Punta del Serrone to Brindisi, where, on the occasion of the European Week of Sport, numerous recreational and cultural activities are planned, such as muscle warm-up sessions and a kayak trial. Finally, we will reach the Accademia degli Erranti for a workshop on safety during excursions.

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Francesco Ferrari takes the helm of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways

The EAVF General Assembly in Fidenza paid warm tribute to the late president Massimo Tedeschi and elected his successor, Francesco Ferrari.

On July 30th, the General Assembly of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways was held in Fidenza, a small town in Emilia-Romgna region situated exactly halfway along the Francigena route and home to the EAVF headquarters. The meeting had a dual purpose: to honor Massimo Tedeschi, who passed away on June 22nd, and to elect the new President of the Association.

In Fidenza, Massimo had a significant political career, serving as the Mayor of his hometown before becoming the President of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways in 2001, the year of its founding. A pragmatic and forward-thinking man, he was able to build an enlightened project based on cooperation between territories, ideas, and people around the concepts of Europe, cultural heritage, and dialogue. The EAVF network, shaped by this visionary idea of Europe, today includes 244 local and regional authorities and 93 friendly associations, collaborating with institutions, local administrations, cultural and religious entities.

The General Assembly opened with a minute of silence and a long round of applause dedicated to Massimo Tedeschi.

Following the national anthems, which honored the individual cultural identities of the four countries traversed by the Via Francigena, Vice President Francesco Ferrari delivered the opening greeting to the Assembly. He recalled his personal experience alongside the late President Tedeschi over the past 23 years. Next, the Mayor of Fidenza, Davide Malvisi, spoke, followed by a video message from Andrea Corsini, the Regional Councillor of Emilia-Romagna.

The tribute to Tedeschi included the screening of the documentary film “Road to Rome”, an event he attended, accompanying all stages of the European journey organised by EAVF in 2021 to celebrate the Association’s 20th anniversary. Before the screening, director Luca Bruschi shared the story of this wonderful journey with the assembly, saying, “Road to Rome allowed EAVF to grow internationally and involve over 700 municipalities. It was an extraordinary experience led by Massimo Tedeschi, a visionary, pragmatic conductor, and lover of Europe”.

The Assembly then moved on to the election of the new EAVF President. The three Vice Presidents, Martine Gautheron, Gaëtan Tornay, and Aldo Patruno, initiated the discussion and debate, with numerous members contributing their input.

Francesco Ferrari was unanimously elected with a long round of applause. “This recognition brings me satisfaction and pride, testament to the great work done in past years. I am, however, aware of the significant work ahead of me, as succeeding such a great and extraordinary President as Massimo Tedeschi is no easy task. I will strive to perform my duties to the best of my abilities, with the utmost spirit of cooperation and dialogue, starting with institutions – municipalities, provinces, and regions – and including associations, essential for animating the VF at a local level. Massimo strongly wished for me to succeed him as President. I am fully aware that this is a challenging legacy, but I am confident that by working together in the spirit of continuity and following the path he laid out, we will honor the legacy we have received”.

At the end of the Assembly, the next meeting with EAVF members and friends was announced, scheduled for October 18th in Monte Sant’Angelo (Foggia, Puglia). Vice President Aldo Patruno presented the program of cultural and animation activities that will take place during this international event.

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Call for Influencers for our hikes in Puglia

The European Association of the Via Francigena ways is looking for 2 influencers/bloggers to document two hiking events that will take place from 12 to 15 September 2024 from Bari to Monopoli, and from 27 to 29 September 2024 from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Brindisi. The hikes are organized as part of the  Erasmus+ HIKE project, in collaboration with international partners such as Paths of Greece and Turkish Culture Routes Society The project aims to promote healthy lifestyles through outdoor activities that encourage a slow-paced exploration of the area.

During the two weekends, the 6 daily hikes will be interspersed with workshops, activities, and labs focused on physical activity and hiking safety. Each hike will involve 25 participants per day. The arrival in Brindisi will also coincide with the European Week of Sport celebrations.

The details in Italian are available here

If this initiative interests you, here are all the details:

Participation Period:

One weekend of your choice between:

  • 12-15 September 2024 (from Bari to Monopoli)
  • 27-29 September 2024 (from Torre Canne to Brindisi)

What We Ask:

Before the Event:

  • 1 post and a minimum of 5 Instagram stories announcing your participation in the event, giving visibility to the technical materials of our partners, according to the instructions and tags agreed upon with AEVF.

During the Event:

  • A minimum of 10 Instagram stories per day on your profile.
  • 1 post on one of your social media channels for each day of the hike, according to the tags and instructions provided by the AEVF staff.

After the Event:

  • 1 co-reel for Instagram.
  • If you have a blog: 1 final article on your blog with a link to our site.
  • If you have a YouTube channel: a short final video recounting the experience.
  • If you do not have a blog or a YouTube channel, we can host a guest post written by you on our website.
  • Share with us 30 high-resolution photos.

What You Will Receive from AEVF:

  • A comprehensive fee of €1,000 gross (all taxes included), which includes travel costs to and from the starting point and returning home after the event.
  • Accommodations and meals are covered by the organizers.
  • Our partners kindly provided technical materials: a Ferrino backpack, a pair of Garmont shoes, and a CAMCO technical shirt.
  • Visibility on AEVF social media channels (Instagram +31.4K followers, Facebook +74K followers).

How to Apply:

Send us your application by Monday, August 5, to the email address hike.project.eu@gmail.com including:

  • Email subject: Influencer application “HIKE Puglia” indicating which weekend you prefer.
  • Your portfolio/media kit listing your social media channels, blog, website, YouTube channel.
  • A brief motivational letter (1 page maximum).

For more details about the HIKE project, please consult this link

If you want to participate in hikes in Greece in October and in Türkiye in November 2024, follow the news on the project website or contact the team via email.

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Training Academy on European cultural routes: an opportunity to meet EAVF Partners in Brindisi

From June 4 to 7, AEVF, together with the Council of Europe and the European Institute of Cultural Routes, organized the Training Academy on Cultural Routes in Brindisi.  

This exchange event involved a record number of 100 representatives from 37 Council of Europe routes from 22 countries. This year’s event focused on cooperation and sustainability. The academy was part of the celebrations for the Via Francigena, which in 2024 will mark its 30th anniversary of European certification. The event saw the active participation of some long-time partners who share our Association’s vision and values. In addition to the EAVF staff, attendees included Giorgio Rabajoli, Sales Director Italy of Ferrino, Marco Zucchetti, Head of Press Office of FlixBus, and Matteo Corrado, Founder of CAMCO

“The transition towards new travel models, more conscious and respectful of the environment and communities, is a unique opportunity to seize and a journey to undertake together” – commented Marco Zucchetti. “Through targeted synergies and ongoing dialogue, organizations and associations, both public and private, can drive this change and alter the way people connect with places. The very concept of tourism as we knew it, an ephemeral and self-contained experience, is giving way to a new need for authenticity and deep contact with the territory. It is up to us now to network and determine how to best respond to this need.” Sustainability in the choice of transport to reach the first stage of the Francigena or return home after the journey is no less important than the ethical and conscious purchase of technical equipment and clothing. “I noticed a great interest in the story of a small brand that attempts to offer a few products that, but also curiosity about the materials used, and especially regarding merino wool and the importance of it being mulesing-free – explained Matteo Corrado – The practice of mulesing is not known to the vast majority of people, and when explaining why it is an important ethical choice, aimed at animal welfare, it always attracts significant attention. The event, during the short time I attended, impressed me greatly. This was due to the charming location in the historic center of Brindisi, the topics discussed, and the clear sense of positivity and participation”. 

During the Training Academy, the European HIKE project, in which EAVF participates along with international partners Culture Routes Society  – a Turkish non-profit organization managing over 20 local and international trekking routes – and Paths of Greece – a social cooperative enterprise dedicated to promoting Greek cultural heritage and environmental conservation through hiking trails- was officially presented. The project’s schedule includes six free hikes in Puglia along the Francigena route connecting Bari to Brindisi, with details available on the official website at this link

The event would not have been possible without the logistics organization by the association “Brindisi e Antiche Strade” and contributions from the Puglia Region and the municipality of Brindisi

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Discovering the Via Francigena in Puglia with HIKE

Launched in April 2024, the HIKE initiative is ready to unveil the first details of the upcoming hikes in the three countries involved in the project. Here is a preview of the program, which is still being updated. Join us to walk through the beautiful stages of the Via Francigena in Puglia, and other trails in Greece and Turkey with the project partners The Paths of Greece and Culture Routes Society.

In September 2024, six hikes are planned along the Via Francigena, from Bari to Brindisi. These walks, scheduled for the weekends from September 12 to 15 and from September 27 to 29, will take us to discover the Bari area through the coastal beauties of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Ostuni. The following weekend, we will explore the historical sites around Brindisi. In conjunction with the European Week of Sport, these events will combine free walks open to everyone with activities and workshops on physical preparation and safety during a hike along the Via Francigena.

The details in Italian are available here and the registration form will be soon online on the official website.

In October 2024, it will be Greece’s turn with the Via Egnatia, a historical route traced by the Romans, extending from Edessa to Arnissa, passing through locations such as Agras, Nisi, Ekklisiochori, and Prophitis Ilias. The hike will begin on October 11 at the picturesque Edessa waterfalls, then proceed through the lands of Agras and conclude near the tranquil Lake Vegoritida in Arnissa. The adventure continues the following weekend with a 17 km circuit around Prophitis Ilias, ending with a 10 km walk on October 20 through the historical sites of Edessa. Built between 146 and 120 BC, the Via Egnatia remains a significant symbol of Roman engineering, extending approximately 1,120 km from Durres to ancient Byzantium, present-day Istanbul. Named after the Roman governor of Macedonia, Gnaeus Egnatius, this road played a crucial role in establishing the Eastern Roman Empire.

Finally, in November 2024, we will explore the Tolerance Way in Turkey, discovering the rich history around Izmit. Amidst untouched nature and cities to find, these trails cover areas of great charm, such as the Izmit waterfront, the natural parks of Kayalar, and the historic villages of Servetiye and Kırıntı, with the ancient aqueducts of Gölkay Park. Animations and targeted activities will enrich the walks, combining physical activity with culture and field training. The Via della Tolleranza, approximately 126 km long between Izmit (Nicomedia) and Iznik (Nicea), draws inspiration from historical figures such as the French traveler Charles de Peyssonnel and the Canadian botanist Robert Chamber. This significant route has been notable since Roman times, highlighted by the Edict of Tolerance of Emperor Galerius in 311 AD, which paved the way for the first religious freedoms.

Each event of the HIKE project promises unique experiences suitable for all levels of hikers. Keep an eye out for further details on the official website here.

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From Canterbury to Fidenza: An Interview with Councillor Connie Nolan

Connie Nolan, a councillor delegated for the city of Canterbury, met with the President and staff of the European Association of the Via Francigena ways (EAVF) in Fidenza during the last edition of the Francigena Fidenza Festival, which this year reached its fourth edition.

For Nolan, it was an opportunity to personally experience a segment of the Via Francigena route as well as visit the EAVF headquarters. She actively participated in some of the festival’s activities, which this year included over fifty initiatives. Specifically, the councillor took part in a scientific conference organised by the University of Parma and EAVF, dedicated to the development of the Via Francigena and its cultural heritage, and she gave an interview to the staff.

Canterbury, the zero kilometre point of the Via Francigena, has been a member of the EAVF since 2005 and participates in numerous initiatives that can be consulted here, in preparation for the 30th anniversary of the route’s recognition as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

The English city council is also supporting the establishment of the Francigena Britannica, an extension of the Via Francigena linking London and Canterbury along a 150-kilometer stretch of the path, which recently saw a delegation at work to certify this extension.

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Siena Hosts the Presentation of the New Issue of the Via Francigena Magazine

The event, open to the public, will be held on June 19 in Piazza Duomo and will be followed by a tasting of the “bruschetta del viandante” and a guided tour of the Santa Maria della Scala complex, home to the historic pilgrim hostel recently reopened.

Fidenza, May 29, 2024 – On Wednesday, June 19, the new issue of the magazine “Via Francigena and the European Cultural Routes” will be presented in Siena, at Santa Maria della Scala in Piazza Duomo.

The 57th edition of the trilingual magazine (house organ of the EAVF), soon to be available on the website www.rivistaviafrancigena.it/en/, includes a special focus on Siena, the splendid Tuscan city traversed by the Francigena route, as attested by the diary of Sigeric, the English archbishop who in the year 990 covered the journey between Rome and Canterbury in 79 stages, after receiving the Pallium from the Pope’s hands. Even today, the official route crosses the city of Siena and its province for 120 kilometers, through hills, cypresses, and breathtaking villages such as San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, Castiglione d’Orcia, Radicofani, San Casciano dei Bagni, as well as the Abbadia San Salvatore variant.

The route connecting Siena to Rome is one of the most frequented sections by wayfarers from all over the world, who reach the Vatican from the famous Piazza del Campo in about 14 days, after 285 km of pure beauty.

INSIDE THE NEW ISSUE

The new issue of the magazine features in-depth reports on the recent EAVF General Assembly in Vevey, Switzerland, accounts of international events such as the “Grand Randonnée FFR” towards Paris and the snowy experience at the Hospice of the Great St Bernard, as well as specials on places of interest related to the route such as the UNESCO heritage city of Mantua, along with practical tips for organizing the journey, thanks to the opening of the hostel in Medesano along the Parma stage from Fidenza to Fornovo.

The magazine includes an important editorial by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić, highlighting the crucial role of the Francigena route in promoting intercultural dialogue and European heritage on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the recognition of the Via Francigena as a cultural route of the Council of Europe. This is followed by a speech by the Italian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè, emphasizing how the Francigena is among the emblems of slow tourism, as well as one of the main assets of the 2023-2027 Strategic Tourism Plan on which the Italian Ministry is working.

At the beginning of the presentation, which is open to the public, there will be a video link with the Itailian Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè and institutional greetings from the Siena’s Tourism Councillor Vanna Giunti, Regional Councillor of Tuscany Francesco Gazzetti, and EAVF Deputy Vice President Francesco Ferrari: this will be followed by speeches by Luca Faravelli, EAVF Project Manager, the magazine’s publisher Stefano Guidotti, the director of the Consorzio Prosciutto Toscano DOP Emore Magni, and Igino Morini from the Consorzio Parmigiano Reggiano’s Territorial Promotion. Chef Alessandro Pieragnoli, creator of the famous “bruschetta del viandante,” will participate, with a delicious tasting planned.

A guided tour of the Santa Maria della Scala complex will follow, which houses the Casa delle Balie, where abandoned or unrecognized children were taken in: currently, the structure is a 25-bed hostel, reopened last March 29 after a period of inactivity during the pandemic. A place rich in history in the historic center of Siena, an unmissable stop for those seeking an authentic experience in the heart of one of Italy’s most fascinating cities.

For more information:

Simona Spinola, AEVF Communication Contact: simona.spinola@viefrancigene.orgwww.viefrancigene.org

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The Via Francigena is featured on the HIKE Project Website!

We’re delighted to announce important updates about the EAVF’s new European project HIKE with the official launch of its website today! The project’s objective is to guide participants along three iconic European paths, promoting healthier and more active lifestyles through tailored hiking events designed for all fitness levels. This new online platform provides detailed information about free excursions, and activities planned across hiking routes in three countries involved in the project. Here participants will find trail maps, event schedules, and registration procedures. The news section offers updates, insightful articles, and educational materials on healthy habits and lifestyles, while the media section showcases photos and videos from the events.

Together with the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, the following partners are part of the project:

Culture Routes Society: A non-profit organization in Türkiye focused on creating and maintaining long-distance routes for walking, biking, and horse-riding. It oversees more than 20 local and international trekking routes catering to various interests of hiking enthusiasts.

Paths of Greece: A Social Co-operative Enterprise dedicated to promoting Greece’s cultural heritage and environmental conservation through hiking trails. They specialize in designing, implementing, and promoting trails based on historical footpaths, tailored to modern needs.

The project’s schedule includes:

September on the Via Francigena: Explore the scenic path in the sunny Apulia region of Italy. Two hiking weekends will take place on the coastal legs of the itinerary, from Bari to Monopoli and from Torre Canne (Fasano) to Brindisi, featuring cultural, sports, and gastronomic activities, along with unforgettable sunset celebrations. More details on the Via Francigena agenda here.

October in Greece on the Via Egnatia: Journey along the Via Egnatia in Greece, where you can trace the remnants of this ancient road engineered by the Romans. Explore stretches covering Edessa, Prophitis Ilias, and Arnissa, with stunning waterfalls, interactive workshops, and cultural visits to significant industrial heritage sites. Learn more about our walks on the Via Egnatia.

November in Türkiye on the Tolerance Way: Experience landscapes that have shaped civilizations, from gentle strolls through historical districts to vigorous treks across rustic settings. Events will feature diverse landmarks, including Izmit’s scenic waterside and Kayalar Nature Parks, the charming villages of Servetiye and Kırıntı, and the ancient aqueducts near Gölkay Park. Visit the Tolerance Way section for more information.

Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates, registration, and organizational details!

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On the road with Banca Generali towards a more sustainable future

For 2024 as well, the Via Francigena renews its collaboration with the Sales Unit North West, coordinated by Alessandro Mauri of Banca Generali, who shares with our Association values related to environmental responsibility and ecosystem protection. The financial group, at the forefront of promoting a sustainable future, operates every day on multiple fronts to encourage investments that integrate environmental, social, and good governance factors: in other words, it offers concrete support to help citizens take care of their life projects.

Environmental protection, understood as a daily responsibility that concerns all of us, is at the heart of the photographic project BG4SDGs – Time to Change, through which Banca Generali concretizes its commitment to the fight against climate change and more conscious use of natural resources. Through the shots of photographer Stefano Guindani, Banca Generali aims to investigate the implementation status of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that make up the UN Agenda 2030, and which constitute fundamental guidelines for developing peace, justice, and equality at all levels: from corporate governance of large companies to responsible lifestyles for individuals.

Poverty, education, nutrition, hygiene, and gender equality appear in the Agenda’s roadmap, alongside clean and accessible energy, water availability, responsible production and consumption, and industrial innovation. This results in a complex picture, rich in difficulties and delays, but also in virtuous actions from which to draw inspiration, each in their own context. EAVF embraces the cause, actively committing to the enhancement of territories and the creation of tangible environmental awareness: the Via Francigena thus emerges as a message of peace, facilitating sustainable mobility, intercultural dialogue, and the spread of common ideas and values for a greener and more cohesive Europe.

The most representative photos of the BG4SDGs – Time to Change project have been selected for a traveling exhibition inaugurated in Venice, which will be set up in major Italian cities throughout 2024. The goal? To generate reflections related to the environment, work, and communities that must continue to concern each of us, without exception.